A few years ago, I started looking into solar energy. Just like you, I started with an online search exploring on how I could save money with solar electricity. I was shocked to see how much it cost to have solar panels installed at my house! The estimate I received was over $35,000 and the payback time for that was just way too long. I certainly didn’t have that kind of money, not even close. I was resigned to the idea of paying the electric company each and every month until I met a friend who had a solution. My friend explained that he was building his own solar panels for just a fraction of the cost of new retail solar panels. For more info on Green DIY Energy, click on the images above and below.

The Solar Umbrella home was built for principals Lawrence Scarpa and Angela Brooks to house themselves and their young son. Sustainability was made a top priority, with the goal being responsible living for the 21st century. the Solar Umbrella provides a contemporary reinvention of the solar canopy—a strategy that provides thermal protection in climates with intense exposures—using photovoltaic panels to provide 100% of the homes energy needs. In addition to the photovoltaic solar panel array, the homes green aspects including solar hydronic heating panels, a storm-water retention system, and an airy, open design, with environmentally sound materials throughout. For more information please see www.pugh-scarpa.com